NBA The Slovenian attends Marca at the opening of a track in Ljubljana
Luka Doncic (Slovenia, 1999) is clearly a dominator of the future although, in reality, it has been exercising that dominance for some time. The Slovenian is burning stages camino del Hall of Fame and with a fixed idea in mind, win a ring and, if possible, do it with the Mavs.
Precisely in Dallas, Doncic will have this year a new ‘boss’ in the person of Jason Kidd. But as he rushes out his last days of vacation before training camps begin, Doncic serves as the best possible ambassador. para la 2K Foundations. Luka traveled to his native Ljubljana to inaugurate there a spectacular completely renovated basketball court, remembering that it was there that he took his first steps in the world of basketball.
As a World icon, Doncic was chosen this year as the cover image of the NBA 2K22 whose launch will be this next September 10. On a very special day for Doncic, the Slovenian had a few minutes to attend Marca to talk about the Games, the Mavs, Garuba and even Mbapp.
Question. With what sensations did you come from Tokyo after the fourth place of Slovenia? It was clearly not what I expected.
Answer. Of course not. I always say that fourth place is the worst. I am happy to have qualified in that Lithuanian match, which was very difficult and very important. With that much was achieved but we have the bad part that we could have achieved more.
Q. Will you remain committed to Slovenia in future championships?
R. Yes, that’s my idea if everything goes well. I’m sure I will be back with the national team of my country.
Q. How do you see the season for the Mavs, with all the changes and a new coach?
R. Well, we have made many changes, especially in the staff and the objective is still to fight for the championship. The truth is that I am very excited about the season that we are going to face.
Q. With a new coach like Jason Kidd.
RS I think he’s an excellent coach who also knows a lot about how to play basketball and how to lead a team. It is an excellent opportunity to grow and I think it will help me a lot.
Q. Are the Mavs ready to fight for the ring?
R. As I say that is my goal and I think you can always fight. Let’s see how the season goes but in my opinion we can be there, fighting for everything. I don’t know if we need one or two players or what exactly, we have to start playing and then we’ll see what happens.
P. In this preseason and after the market, everything points to a final between the Nets and the Lakers. Do you see it that way?
R. The truth, I do not know. There are many things that can happen during the season, such as injuries and good or bad player moments. Now it is difficult to give that forecast. They have been reinforced, but a lot can happen.
Q. This year another former Madrid player has made the leap to the NBA, as you did. This is Usman Garuba, do you see him up to the challenge?
A. Well, I didn’t play with him so I can’t talk much about his game when I was there, but I think he’s going to do very well. From what I have seen he is a great player and I think he will adapt to the League soon.
Q. The NBA prepares changes to the rules for shooters who are fouled on three-point shots. What do you think?
R. Well, anything that is improving the game, I think it’s very good.
Q. But do you think it can affect you negatively like other players like Trae Young or James Harden?
R. I don’t think so, but like everything else, I’ll see when we start to play.
P. As a Real Madrid player, do you think Mbapp will end up playing for Madrid?
R. Hopefully pass because he is a great player. I think it would be good for the team if Mbapp was there.
Q. Does having signed the four-year extension with Dallas give you stability for season four?
A. It doesn’t change anything. I face this season exactly the same as the first three, training the same and prepared to play the same.
Q. It’s being a busy day for you …
R. Yes but very beautiful and very exciting for me.
Q. You have come to Ljubljana to inaugurate some fields with the help of 2K Foundations.
RS I have very good memories of my childhood in Ljubljana. These are the courts where I grew up, learned and played basketball. It is an honor to be able to help my city and my country, which have given me so much and those I love so much. That the children have the opportunity to play on the same courts and pursue the same dreams is something that excites me.
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